FIRE EFFECTS AND USE
WILDLIFE SPECIES: Ondatra zibethicus | Muskrat 



DIRECT FIRE EFFECTS ON ANIMALS : 
Muskrats can be killed by fire either through direct mortality or
complete kill of food and cover [12].  The latter was observed in
Louisiana peat marshes with shallow clay pans during drought years.
When detritus accumulates and fire ignites during dry spells, the fire
can burn intensely and move rapidly, killing muskrat populations [12].


HABITAT RELATED FIRE EFFECTS : 
Periodic marsh burning is usually necessary to remove dead vegetation,
cycle nutrients, and increase vigor of desirable plant species.
Conversely, if detritus is allowed to accumulate, fires can become
severe enough to destroy desirable species [12].

Mid-July burning of marshes "choked" with common reed (Phragmites
communis) in Manitoba resulted in an increase of muskrat populations
[18].  Reed did not reach preburn densities until 4 years later.

Olney bulrush increases in cover following burning [10,16].  If this
species is not periodically burned, it can be replaced by needlerush
(Eleocharis acicularis), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), and pineland
threeawn (Aristida stricta), which are less desirable food and cover
species for muskrats.  Seventy-five to 100 percent of needlerush,
sawgrass, and pineland threeawn can be removed by fire [14].  Burning
saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) will remove it, allowing for
succession by Olney bulrush.  Cordgrass outcompetes Olney bulrush in the
absence of fire [16].  Burning cordgrass and saltgrass (Distichlis
spicata) during "normal" water levels may not be as effective as burning
when water levels are lower in the fall, or until late spring following
a flooding treatment with water levels between 10 and 15 inches
(25.4-38.1 cm) [16].


FIRE USE : 
Fire can be used to set back succession of marshes (muskrats thrive in
early seral vegetation stages), prevent the accumulation of detritus,
control undesirable species, and promote good growing conditions for
Olney bulrush [8,14].  When burning Olney bulrush stands, it is best to
leave 0 to 2 inches (5 cm) of standing water, and burn between
mid-October and the first of January [12,16].  Olney bulrush grows
throughout the winter, and burning just before or during this time will
give it a good advantage over other species.  Burning dates will vary
for different areas, and burning may be necessary every year or two
except during times of drought [16].  When burning to eliminate
needlerush, do so in late February or early March and when it is dry
enough so that needlerush is damaged [14].  Switchgrass (Panicum
virgatum) and Olney bulrush should establish by the second or third
postfire year.  Burning Atlantic coastal marshes is recommended in late
winter to ensure adequate winter cover for muskrats [14].


REFERENCES : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Wildlife Species: Ondatra zibethicus | Muskrat